What the Forum is Saying About the Rollback

MyGolfSpy Forum Reactions: Golf Ball Rollback

The golf community has been abuzz with the highly debated topic of golf ball rollback. With the potential to alter the game as we know it, everyday golfers are passionately expressing their concerns and expectations surrounding the rollback, offering a glimpse into the diverse perspectives held within the golfing community. As the conversation continues to intensify, the impact of the golf ball rollback will be far-reaching, shaping the future of the sport for both players and industry professionals alike.

So what do everyday golfers like you have to say about the rollback? Keep reading and be sure to check out the ongoing Forum discussion here.

Two Sides of The Ball

The golf ball rollback discussion reached fever pitch in 2023. There were clear views from both sides on whether a rollback is necessary.

Shapotomous discussed how other sports approach professional versus amateur play: “I never really understood the distress over bifurcation. Most sports have rules and equipment differences between professional and non-professional ranks, between men’s and women’s leagues of the same sport and rules differences between USA leagues and international play for some sports as well.  Whatever level you want to play at, just use the approved equipment and play by the rules established for that competition.”

Another viewpoint from revkev: “with golf – bifurcation exists already – certainly you have the option to play a back set of tees if you tee it up where a tour event is played I supposed you could perhaps be playing from the same set as used in a tournament – but certainly not under the same course conditions, with the same pin placements – all that stuff makes a dramatic difference in the game – rest assured that the scores at the US Open this summer will be higher than they were this past week at Torey Pines.  It will be the same course, but it won’t.

“True, this will be another step in that direction but it’s that or making a very challenging game more challenging still for the rest of us – I’ve busted my you know what to recapture 15 or so yards.  There is certainly no issue with me hitting the ball too far and I’m a fairly skilled golfer for an amateur.  If for some reason the ruling bodies and tours think that they need to create local rules to change the balance of value per skill in the game – so be it – just leave us alone please.”

How Big An Issue is This?

Having a diverse group of everyday golfers making their feelings known on our Forum was very revealing.

DaveP043: “the distance increases over the years coincide with lengthening of existing courses, and increasing the length of new courses, all of which require more land, and maintenance of which requires more resources, and more cost to the golfers, all of us. It’s more than simply the perception that the best players in the world are “too long”.

Chisag: “Pretty delusional to think we play the same equipment and game the Pro’s play. Hole #17 at my home course calls for a 280yd uphill carry from the men’s tees to clear a lake with deep bunkers and roll offs on 2 sides. 295yds from the tips. It is a lay-up hole and provides lots of options from a mid-iron to a hybrid or fairway wood. Obviously, some shorter hitters lay up with a driver because very few Am’s can carry it 280 with laser accuracy. But a Phoenix Open qualifier is held at my course, and they had to build a new tee box that now calls for a 310 carry because most of the Pro’s were driving it easily. It isn’t the same game at all.”

That leaves the question: Will the rollback affect just professionals or amateurs as well?

Member Opinions, 556 Votes and Counting

The Forum rolled out a series of questions about the rollback and many members voted on the poll. We have collected the responses from those questions for you to see here. Do you agree with what our community is saying?

As expected, most of the community is not in favor of rolling back the golf ball.

It is also very clear that our community cares and watches professional golf. Even if they are the 1% they matter and are looked up to.

However, the community is very split on whether they feel they want to play the same equipment as the pros or not.

There was also a fairly even split between preference toward a Tour only golf ball. This could possibly mean the amateur level would be left untouched by this change.

Even with all the speculative numbers that have been thrown out there for golfers to read. A good portion of our forum community feels they will be affected by the rollback.

Bottom line most feel that losing any distance will take away significant enjoyment in their golf games. This is very telling to the general feeling of the golf ball rollback.

We figured these numbers would fall closer in line with the response for a Tour only golf ball. However 11.5% more were in favor of bifurcating the game of golf between amateurs and professionals.

Even though most don’t want, like or to even think about the rollback. A total of 95.5% of respondents will still be out on the course if and when this happens. Only 4.5% would actually quit golfing if the rollback happens as planned.

Ongoing Decisions and Debate

The golf ball rollback has raised numerous unanswered questions within the golfing community. The lack of clarity surrounding the implementation, potential consequences and long-term effects leaves many people. Especially everyday golfers like our group on the Forum, wondering what the future holds. As we wait for further direction, the Forum will continue to discuss and open new viewpoints about the future of our game. Want to be part of the discussion about What the Forum is Saying About the Rollback? Join and add your comments HERE!